Rise with Reading: Horry County Schools launch district-wide literacy push with ambitious 2030 goal
Horry County Schools opened its first board meeting of the new academic year with a clear focus on boosting reading comprehension across all grades. The district’s Rise with Reading initiative aims to have 95% of students reading at or above their grade level by 2030, up from roughly 74% today.
Communications Director Lisa Bourcier called the goal loftier than in recent years but said the district is all in. The initiative centers on professional development for teachers, stronger monitoring and assessment systems, targeted instructional coaching, and expanded parent engagement to help families support reading at home and in the classroom.
Board member Debbie Edmonds highlighted notable progress under the Read to Succeed Act, noting that the number of third-graders at risk dropped dramatically—from 600 to four—underscoring the effectiveness of targeted supports. Edmonds also outlined plans to shore up literacy across diverse programs, including agriculture, career and technical education, special education transition services, and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, signaling a cross-district emphasis on literacy across academics and life skills.
Bourcier thanked the board for funding new teacher training tools and emphasized building the foundation of the science of reading in elementary grades and extending literacy practices into writing across middle and high school. Other agenda items highlighted a substantial teacher pay increase over the past decade; beginning teachers are now earning $52,026 annually, about $16,000 more than in 2015.
Parental involvement is a key component, with the district offering multiple opportunities for families to access resources that align with classroom teaching and support their children’s progress.
What this means for students and families
– A clear, district-wide literacy target provides a roadmap for classroom instruction, teacher development, and family engagement.
– The focus on the science of reading seeks evidence-based approaches to instruction from elementary through high school.
– Success in reducing early-grade retention demonstrates the potential impact of targeted supports and aligned programs.
What to watch next
– Annual progress reports on reading levels by grade and school, and how close the district is to the 2030 target.
– Continued expansion and evaluation of parent resources and engagement activities.
– Ongoing investment in teacher training and how it translates to classroom outcomes.
Ways families can get involved
– Attend information sessions and use recommended at-home reading resources.
– Partner with teachers by reinforcing reading routines and providing access to books and reading time outside of school hours.
Summary
Horry County Schools are signaling a strong, long-term commitment to literacy with Rise with Reading, aiming for a 2030 goal of 95% of students reading at or above grade level. The plan combines teacher training, rigorous progress monitoring, targeted supports, and expanded parent engagement, building on notable early wins under Read to Succeed. The district’s emphasis on the science of reading and cross-program literacy integration positions it to drive meaningful improvement across grades.
Note: If you’d like, I can add a short box of quotes or a sidebar detailing the 2030 milestones and a quick explainer of the science of reading for readers new to the topic.